armed and dangerous

[letterexchange]

all my friends are armed and very dangerous
but they don't carry loaded guns or wear obvious faces
bitter words and criticism are their weapons
and they seem to have gotten and endless supply of ammunition
i've got nothing to say
i've finally got nothing to say to defend myself

my father used to give advice
he'd like to tell me "son, you'd better learn to think twice,
if you think that you've got something you need to tell her.
she saw right through you ten minutes ago, and she can already see the failure
that you just might become but you're not there quite yet. and my dear boy
you know that it's a safe bet to keep your mouth under lock and key, and leave your brain to guard the door. it may keep things predictable but at least you know what's in store. and you can't get hurt. no you can't get hurt. or hurt yourself."

and now with the criticizers and the advisors disbanding
I hope to heaven above I've been left in good standing
with the ones I've needed most, and the ones who've needed me less
i'll go ahead and keep asking. I'll wait for you to acquiesce
and tell me it's ok. and tell me we're ok
tell me it's ok.
tell me it's ok.